by James Robbins, M.A., LPC If you’re in a serious romantic relationship and you’re not complimenting your partner every day, you’re missing the low-hanging fruit. Relationships are hard work, but this part can be easy–if you let it. So your spouse can’t keep a job. This is a problem. But your spouse also makes […]
Is Communication Really the Problem?
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC In the fifteen years I’ve been working with couples, the vast majority of initial couples sessions begin the same way. We’ve been together X years, and we really love each other. When things are good, they’re really good–but when things are bad they’re really bad. Lately, small fights turns into […]
Is Your Love Life All Business?
by James Robbins, M.A., LPC The vast majority of romantic relationships are transactional. Consider the most traditional marital “transaction.” The male is the sole breadwinner. He provides financially for the family, keeps everyone physically safe and protects the family from the stresses “out there.” In turn, the female addresses challenges closer to home, the “in […]
Two Keys to a Successful Relationship
My wife and I recently celebrated our 22nd Anniversary. (10 years of dating, 12 years of marriage.) We’ve been through a lot over these two-plus decades—and really, who hasn’t? But this much is certain: We now enjoy more peacefulness, passion and spiritual connection within our relationship than ever before. So what’s our secret? First, we […]